Festival of ghostly, gothic and ghoulish literature at the castle
26 September 2023
- Gothic Literary Festival 25 October – 5 November at Tamworth Castle
- Authors, writers, actors and storytellers, will engage visitors over a packed programme of events
- Join in with local writing groups and workshops
Tamworth Borough Council is inviting castle visitors to join a festival week of ghostly, gothic and ghoulish tales exploring dark, mythical and haunted fiction through guest speakers and authors, performers, a ghost search and murder mystery event.
Tamworth Castle is hosting a packed programme of entertainment from Wednesday 25 October to Sunday 5 November, with a range of storytelling, readings, and performances, renowned authors, writers, actors, storytellers and visual artists. From family-friendly storytelling to adults only performances, there is something for everyone, ideal for those thrilled by mystery, dark secrets and haunted tales.
A special exhibition of gothic style items from the castle museum collections will also be on display from Saturday 28 October to Sunday 5 November.
This event is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Please see the castle website for ticket prices for all events: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.
Writers and special guests include Max Scratchmann, a well-known British writer and performer whose written poems and short stories have appeared in many anthologies and literary magazines.
Gavin Inglis - who works at the intersection of traditional fiction, digital fiction and games, with credits on Fallen London, Call of Cthulhu, Zombies, Run! and Rivers of London RPG.
Curtis Jobling, a creator and designer of many beloved children’s shows including the BAFTA-winning Bob the Builder and Raa Raa the Noisy Lion. Known for his acclaimed Max Helsing and Haunt books for older audiences, his debut novel was Wereworld: Rise of the Wolf. Described as “Game of Thrones for a middle grade audience”, is now a major animated series on Netflix, with Curtis remaining firmly involved as lead writer and associate producer.
Maria Credali will also return to the castle on Monday 30 October with her Introduction to Storytelling Workshop. Pre booking is essential, 16 years and over only. She will then deliver an evening event of ‘Gothic Tales by Candlelight’ - a candlelit evening of gothic tales on Friday 3 November. Expect stories full of tension and suspense, supernatural creatures, darkness and mystery, romance, and heartbreak - even some local legends of goings on from beyond the grave. These are stories for adults only (over 14 years old) with
part of the performance taking place in the dark.
An art workshop will be delivered by Maria on Sunday 5 November, based on the story of Little Red Riding Hood and how it has changed over the centuries, outlining the sinister elements of the earliest versions of the tale as you paint. Due to the darker nature of the tales and the fine motor skills required for the painting this session will be open to adults only.
Carol Davies, a storyteller will offer a drop-in storytelling session for families, included in the normal admission ticket. Gilbert the Grotesque is a story of a grotesque who aspires to be a gargoyle.
Enjoy free art workshop with local artist Rosa Brown, with her inspired by Halloween and Rosa’s Mexican heritage, on Wednesday 1 November, Thursday 2 November and Saturday 4 November. Check out the castle shop for special gifts on sale designed by Rosa during the event.
Gary Phelps will be reading excerpts from his book ’13 Doors’. Whilst a journalist at the Tamworth Herald, Gary set out to find 13 authentically haunted properties. His findings have now inspired the stories in his book.
Tara Paulsson will be reading from her father Guy Newman Smith’s books. Guy is well-known for his 1970’s pulp-fiction horror Crab Series, amongst many other works.
Local authors will also be reciting their interpretation on the theme of ‘Gothic Castle’, with pieces specially created for the festival.
On Friday 27 October, the castle will host ‘A Ghostly Murder Mystery’, set in 1930s England. Sir Walter Geist has invited his closest friends to take part in a seance, but the spirit world turns out to be closer than they think. A murder has been committed and it’s up to you to solve the crime.
Guests are invited to join the actors and become detectives in this spooky case of murder. You must question the suspects but don’t believe everything you hear. Keep your wits about you and beware of things that go bump in the night.
This event will be for 15-year-olds and over, pre booking is essential. Tickets are priced at £27 and include a bowl of hearty stew, either steak and ale or tomato, basil and bean, served with artisan bread followed by ‘a pot of something wicked!’
On Saturday 28 October, visitors will be able to pre book on a private ghost hunter tour around the castle. Details will be announced on the castle website soon.
For further information about any of the activities, prices and times, please contact the castle on 01827 709626 or visit: www.tamworthcastle.co.uk.
Anna Miller, Assistant Director of Growth and Regeneration at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “We are excited to welcome a variety of talented people and groups to the castle for this festival. Exploring gothic and ghostly stories along with a Murder Mystery and ghost tour, will ensure there is something to entertain people of all ages.
“Make sure you check the castle website as timings and prices do vary and some activities will need to be booked in advance."
